Square Enix Play Arts -Kai- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Sneaking Suit Snake joins the super detailed, super articulated line from Japan...

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What happens when one of the coolest line of Japanese action figures meets one of the coolest Japanese video games? Amazing action figures of course...

Square Enix recently released the first of numerous new Play Arts -Kai- action figures based on Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and fans not only ate them up at San Diego Comic Con, but they also had the opportunity to have Kojima-san himself sign their figures.

We at Figures.com of course wanted to give you a look at this amazing new Sneaking Suit Snake figure (and its paint variant) so read on for a look at this amazing new figure available soon from retailers everywhere.

PACKAGING:

We unfortunately have only one image of the figure packaged as the packaging was damaged in shipping it from San Diego to Florida; however, you can tell the figure survived just fine thanks to the durable packaging and that says a lot.

The bright yellow window box instantly catches the eye while the graphics and imagery on the package both identify and describe the figure. The figure and accessories are all clearly visible through the front and sides of the package. The back of the package features pictures of the figure in various poses as well as information about the figure and game.

SCULPTING:

Fans have been going on and on about how accurately this figure captures the look of Snake from the game and none of them are wrong. I'd even dare to say this is the most accurately sculpted visage of Snake in three dimensions.

Simply put, the Square Enix Play Arts -Kai- Sneaking Suit Snake is probably the best and most accurately sculpted Snake figure available anywhere.

Snake's facial sculpt (above) is simply perfect. The head sculpt on Snake is extremely detailed and bares a gritty yet serious facial expression that accurately captures the character’s look in the game. The facial expression and patch give the figure a hardcore, "rough and tumble" look that says Snake is ready for anything...and he is.

Likewise, the sneaking suit and gear (above) are amazingly well captured and detailed, including the ammo packs and butt pack. Square Enix has done an amazing job with the intricately detailed sculpt on this figure. The harness and pouches on Snake have a life-like texture to them which mimics the look of real fabric.

The suit itself features sculpted wrinkles at the joints, giving the impression of fabric. The green "deuce gear" also features textured sculpting and is in fact sculpted on top of the actual sneaking suit, giving it an impressive three-dimensional look which gives the green straps the look of fabric as well.

Overall, the sculpt is simply one of the most impressive action figure sculpts in this beautifully sculpted collectible line.

PAINT APPLICATION:

The Sneaking Suit Snake comes in two paint variants: a regular "blue" suit version and a "Zero" version featuring a metallic suit and a visible orange under layer (above).

Both versions accurately capture the character from the game and will be made available in wide release later this year. Both the figure and accessories included in the set are decorated and painted with the highest level of detail and accuracy.

Both versions feature tight paint applications, clean paint lines, and awesome shading. The regular version is the simpler version with less minute paint details on the suit (as the under layer is the same color blue as the sneaking suit). The metallic silver sheen on Snake’s "Zero" outfit is very impressive and makes the figure stand out among other Metal Gear collectibles. Both versions of Snake also features some really cool decals on both shoulders which enhances the overall look of the outfit.

The facial paints (above) look remarkable and truly compliment the amazing sculpt, though the colors on the head do tend to stand out a little too much in contrast with the rest of the figure as a result of the dry-brushed details on the face. The brown shading in the hair and beard is done extremely well. Overall, the paint applications are well rendered, clean, and attractive.

ACCESSORIES:

Both versions of the figure include the same accessories: two sets of hands (grip and fist), two pistols, one silencers (which fits on either pistol) and a riot shield (the regular version includes a clear shield while the "Zero" version includes an orange shield).

Both the guns and the shield fit into the figure's grip perfectly (above) while the interchangeable fists (below) can be used to give the figure an alternate display.

The silencer fits onto the tip of either one of the pistols and one pistol can fit into the thigh holster on the figure's right hip. The shield has both a hand hold as well as an arm strap, which can actually be removed for alternate display options as well. As the figure doesn't include a rifle, it feels a bit light on weapons; however, the inclusion of the riot shield makes up for this well.

ARTICULATION:

The figure features a massive amount of articulation, as can be seen by the diagram below.

These various articulation points allow for a wide variety of poses (below). In fact, the articulation alone makes this figure worth every penny. Not only are the articulated joints abundant on this figure but they are extremely sturdy and very well made. The positioning of articulated joints throughout the body of this figure allows it to be placed in endless realistic poses without falling over.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION:

Featuring a suggested retail price of approximately $40, the Square Enix Play Arts -Kai- Sneaking Suit Snake figure is a "must own" for any fan of Metal Gear Solid. In fact, I'd go so far as to say this is - for the price - the best Metal Gear figure ever released.

That said, the figure is not yet widely available domestically, meaning fans have been spending anywhere from $40 to $130 to pick up this figure from overseas sellers. With a little patience, the figure - both the regular version and the "Zero" version - should be making its way to the USA soon.

Overall, this is THE Metal Gear Solid figure to own. Simply put, it has a classic look, features amazing articulation, awesome sculpting, and a good assortment of accessories. For those gamers and fans who don't fully appreciate the Sneaking Suit, a Fatigues version of Snake (below) is coming soon as well!

Be sure to check out the images below and pick up your own Square Enix Play Arts -Kai- Sneaking Suit Snake to play with when you can!

- review by Jorge Peleaz and Jess Horsley
- photos by Jorge Peleaz and Jess Horsley

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